A condemned Upper Darby home was found with 1,400 parts per million of carbon monoxide, leading to three unconscious occupants, including two children, on Dec. 6.
Incident Details
Ten people were inside the home on Saturday night when first responders were called to the 200 block of Kingston Street. Officials reported a woman and two children were found unconscious and rushed to the hospital, where they were successfully treated.
Investigation Findings
Firefighters measured the carbon monoxide level at 1,400 parts per million—about 156 times the safe threshold. Chief Nick Martin said, “That’s an insane amount of carbon monoxide,” and added, “I don’t ever recall hearing that amount. Its amazing that the average person would not just lose consciousness in seconds.”
NBC10 reported that someone had come to fix the heater the morning of the incident. A 10‑year‑old boy complained of dizziness, and his mother found him unconscious in the shower. A 2‑year‑old and her mother also had a seizure, according to victims speaking to the station.
Fire officials said the investigation continues, but a deteriorating chimney flu cap was identified as the source of the leak. “Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion,” Martin explained. “So basically anything that burns something can create carbon monoxide. So your wood burning fire place, any gas appliance, anything like that. It’s a odorless, colorless, tasteless gas.”
Safety Advice and Statistics
The National Institutes of Health reports 40,000 carbon monoxide poison cases and about 500 deaths in the U.S. each year. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea and lethargy. First responders urged residents to have heating units inspected annually and install carbon monoxide detectors.
“The bottom line is if you’re not feeling well, and you have gas appliance in your home, you should be highly suspicious of that,” Martin said. “And if you’re ever in any doubt, call 911 and have your local fire department respond. We all have the meters to check for that and that’s what we’re here for.”
The condemned home did not have a carbon monoxide alarm, and the landlord was operating without a rental license. NBC10 contacted the property owner, who has a Brooklyn address, but has not received a response.
Key Takeaways
- Three occupants, including two children, were found unconscious after a 1,400 ppm CO reading.
- A damaged chimney flu cap caused the carbon monoxide leak.
- Residents are advised to inspect heating units yearly and install CO detectors.
The incident underscores the danger of carbon monoxide in homes lacking proper safety equipment.
